Toby Hagon, drive.com.au, April 10, 2008
Standard mechanicals meet performance styling in Ford's new FG Falcon XR6.
For many private buyers the new Ford Falcon XR6 is the logical choice. It picks up some of the styling attributes from the sportier XR models – XR6 Turbo and XR8 – but without the added cost of the extra performance.
The Falcon XR6 also offers a more appealing step up from the fleet-oriented Falcon XT. In reality, though, the driving experience of the Falcon XR6 is very similar to the Falcon XT.
That’s because the two share the same 195kW 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.
Extensive work done to the Falcon’s most basic six-cylinder engine have liberated more power and, crucially, more torque, or mid-range pulling power.
The extra ratio in the automatic transmission – now with five forward gears instead of four – also delivers when it comes to performance, allowing the engine to operate closer to its ideal range.
The five-speed auto does shift smoothly, though, and doesn’t unnecessarily change down through the gearbox to a lower gear.
However, after calling on maximum performance the five-speed is sometimes too eager to shift up a gear or two. On a windy road with lots of accelerating and decelerating it can make the gearbox work harder than it needs to.
Thankfully there’s a semi-manual mode that allows the driver to sequentially select gears and hold them when required (pushing the lever towards the front of the car instigates a downchange while rearwards does an upchange).
A six-speed automatic transmission is also available, further boosting performance.
Drive used satellite-based timing equipment to measure independent performance figures for the basic engine and transmission combination (in a Falcon XT) and managed a 0-100km/h time of 7.1 seconds.
In everyday driving, the muscular engine still delivers plenty of easily accessible punch, matching the sporty sales pitch of the XR6 badge.
At the higher end of its rev range, though, the trusty six-cylinder gets quite vocal.
However, the engine is impressively smooth and willing to rev.
As with other models in the new Falcon range steering is also improved, providing a more secure high-speed feel.
A new steering system has eliminated the high-speed nervousness that characterised the BA/BF Falcons this new XR6 replaces.
Ford has added more weight to the steering at freeway speeds, delivering added security.
At the same time the new Falcon maintains its low-speed manoeuvrability with light steering effort and a tight turning circle (at 11.0 metres, Ford says the Falcon’s turning circle is class leading).
However, through bumpy corners on a country road the steering wheel can jiggle lightly as it knocks into bumps.
While the Falcon XR6 shares its basic mechanical package with the lesser XT, it does get unique suspension that is slightly firmer.
Through corners the Falcon XR6 sits down impressively and resists leaning when pushed.
Larger bumps, too, don’t upset the equation too much, while the stability control system is tuned to allow some spirited driving without getting into trouble. Our time in the Falcon XR6 included a stint on very slippery gravel, which had the stability system working furiously. But it still allowed respectable progress while reigning in any unwanted sliding.
Wind noise is, impressively, kept at bay at freeway speeds, while the standard 17-inch wheels and tyres create some roar over coarse bitumen surfaces.
The cabin is splashed with coloured trim that livens the interior treatment and is in keeping with the wing and spoilers on the outside.
Ford Falcon XR6: Performance*
0-100km/h: 7.1 seconds
0-400m: 15.2 seconds
Top speed after 400m: 150km/h
* Performance figures conducted in controlled conditions using satellite-based timing equipment. XR6 performance figures were obtained using a Falcon XT with the same 4.0-litre engine and five-speed automatic transmission.
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